What sustains nepalese agroforestry practices?

Farmers in the hills of Nepal have practiced agroforestry for centuries. For much of this time, farmers grew trees to meet subsistence farming needs, but the nature and extent of these practices depended on the size of their land and the accessibility of fuelwood and fodder from community forests. Throughout this period, the role of agroforestry in Nepalese farming system has remained important, but the need for improved agroforestry systems and better knowledge of the various agroforestry options and market possibilities have increased. Over the last decade, much has changed in the rural areas of the Middle Hills. Household livelihood expectations have changed, many families have individuals working in cities or outside Nepal, which has increased household income and reduced labour availability. A survey was carried out to examine the current agroforestry systems and practices in Nepal, and factors responsible to sustain a given practice. The survey showed that number of practices has increased since the 1999 when agroforestry as science was just new in Nepal. Agroforestry practices would further scale up if the selection of tree species vis-a-vis their silvicultural characteristics and local suitability is known and practiced accordingly. Proper choice of shrubs and herbs of economic value for commercial and general purposes, such as, medicine, essential oil, fiber, floss, and food could be encouraging for agroforestry practitioners. Capacity building should focus on skill development, market and its linkages and optimal use of available resources, optimal use of spacing, livelihood development and their enhancement. The role of Local and International Non-Governmental Organizations are very effective in capturing new innovations in agroforestry practices.